There has apparently been a spa building on this site since the early 1700s following the discovery of springs with supposedly medicinal properties. Mineral spa’s were big business and the places they were located quickly capitalised on them as a means to draw visitors.

The spa at Scarborough has undergone a number of changes over it’s history, including when a landslide obliterated the original wooden spa house, and in the 19th century grand new buildings were erected along with gardens, funicular railway, and a concert hall. The building was once again destroyed, this time by fire, in 1876, but little time was wasted re-constructing and it re-opened three years later.

By the end of the 19th century the venue was used more for entertainment than as a spa, and eventually in the late 1960s, public consumption of the waters ceased.

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Ilford Type-517. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 14.5mins @ 20°.

Taken on 14 March 2026